Spasticity, Pain, and Fatigue: Are They Associated With Functional Outcomes in People With Stroke?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether spasticity, pain, and fatigue symptoms were related to functional outcomes in people with stroke.

Design: A longitudinal correlation design was used.

Methods: Twenty-two stroke patients experiencing spasticity, pain, and fatigue were followed for 7 days over 6 weeks: 3 days in acute rehabilitation units, 3 days postdischarge to home/community, and an additional 1 day at 1 month postdischarge. Demographics, numeric ratings, and PROMIS tools were used to determine associations over time.

Results: Pain was related to fine motor activities on admission. Fatigue was significantly associated with activities of daily living, motor functions, mobility, and ability to perform physical tasks at 1 month. Spasticity was significantly related to activities of daily living, pain experiences and fatigue at 1 month.

Conclusions: Symptoms of spasticity, pain, and fatigue were associated with functional outcomes in this sample of patients.

Clinical Relevance To Rehabilitation Nursing: Symptoms can influence physical recovery; therefore, nurses could improve care through recognition of suspected correlation of symptoms in people with stroke.